Quit Smoking

Angie SzumlinskiNews

Wait, don’t leave! I’m not going to get on my soapbox about smoking, the ill effects it has on the body, the expense, the long-term negative outcomes, how it is banned pretty much everywhere in public places, or how many wonderful ways there are to help you quit. Sorry, guess I did get on my soapbox. But honestly, this isn’t anything we don’t already know, right? Another thing we already know, nicotine is addicting and addiction in any form is difficult to change, period.

As a smoking alumnus (we are the worst), I can tell you that I didn’t quit once, twice or three times, I probably quit (no kidding) a dozen times before it “stuck”! Let’s face it, cigarette smoking is proven to be a mood elevator and people feel “happy”, so what’s not to like? Drum roll, the introduction of the e-cigarette, touted to assist people in quitting, no smoke to smell up your car and clothing and you could use them indoors in public places! Hallelujah! The miracle we were all waiting for, AND of course, I will quit smoking cigarettes the minute I buy one of these pens!

Sadly, I’m here to report that this information is all smoke and mirrors! In fact, despite quarterly e-cigarette retail sales of over $400 million by the end of 2017, those who used e-cigarettes in their last quit attempt had a significantly lower 12-month abstinence rate compared to those who used other methods. So, do e-cigarettes help people quit smoking cigarettes? For some, the answer is a resounding yes but for many, the answer is no. There is no easy way to quit: cold turkey, patches, lozenges, e-cigs, hypnosis, acupuncture, and I’m sure many more, there is no magic! Bottom line, take the healthy road. Nothing is easy if it is worth having! Stay the course, stay informed, and stay well!